Invest Like The Best
Episode 15 The Ace of Spades
Invest Like The Best

Episode 15: The Ace of Spades

The Ace of Spades

Eric Maddox is a former military interrogator who collected the intelligence which led to the exact location of Saddam Hussein. We cover why listening is more powerful than intimidating, why it is difficult to really listen to each other, and the story of locating Saddam.

[00:01:35] – (First Question) – Eric explains the significance of the framed Cuban cigar.

[00:02:53] – How did this journey start and what were Eric’s skills that led him to being part of this momentous event

[00:03:55] – Eric is told he is going to Iraq, specifically Tikrit

[00:05:24] – Early experiences with interrogation and how he shifted his strategy to listening more than intimidating

[00:10:07] – What was the rate of success with the typical interrogation methods vs what Eric was trying to do

[00:11:57] – Why was Eric the right guy to alter how investigations were handled

[00:18:33] – Eric explains why he throws false evidence at his interrogation subjects and why it would help him

[00:27:59] – The moment he realized he was on to Saddam Hussein

[00:29:05] – Some politics started to interfere with the investigation but Eric pushed back to continue down his path

[00:30:22] – What happened from December 1st to December 13th of 2003 when they ultimately captured Saddam Hussein

[00:31:40] – The significance of fish in this investigation

[00:35:24] – The prisoner that broke and took them to the house

[00:36:30] – After the raid, how they found the actual bunker housing the Ace of Spades, Saddam Hussein

[00:37:40] – The role of empathy and was it genuine in the process of interrogating enemies of the state.  Also, how anyone can use empathy more effectively

[00:42:56] – Why it is difficult to really listen to each other

[00:45:45] – How to get past the constant distractions that we are faced with, both internally and externally

[00:49:40] – Is confirmation bias the biggest distraction to listening

[00:51:12] – What is the kindest thing anyone has ever done for Eric

[00:52:26] – What are Eric’s daily habits that help him most

[00:54:44] – Any advice to help people cultivate this skill of being able to listen better and empathize

The Ace of Spades

Introduction

Patrick
This week we explore a rare and underappreciated skill through the lens of an incredible story. My guest is Eric Maddox, whose name you probably don't know but won't soon forget. Just trust me that you need to listen to this entire episode and listen carefully because that is what the episode is ultimately all about, how to listen to others with care and empathy in the age of distraction. Sometimes it's fun not to know what's coming and be surprised, so I won't say anymore. After the episode, you can learn about Eric at ericmaddox.com. Now on his wall, Eric has a framed Cuban cigar, and he starts his story by explaining the significance of that cigar. Enjoy this episode and try Eric's method. It has worked wonders for me.

Eric's Background

Patrick
Sure. Thanks for having me, Patrick. So in my book, I put a picture of a cigar that came from the hole that we drug Saddam Hussein out of in 2003. The Delta team that I was with, they pulled him out of the hole, and they got Saddam, which was the key catch. They got $750,000 cash, that went to the army. They got a Glock pistol that went to President Bush. And they had a box of Cuban cigars, and the Delta Force team gave me one of the Cuban cigars. So, I've received a lot of metals and a lot of accolades for that, but the cigar from the Delta Force team probably means more than any other award I've received.

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